Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar, has made headlines recently by turning down offers to participate in the Club World Cup, prioritizing rest and preparation for the upcoming season, with the 2026 World Cup firmly in his sights. At 40 years old, Ronaldo is not slowing down and has his eyes set on competing in a record sixth World Cup in 2026.
Ronaldo's decision to prioritize rest comes after Al Nassr announced the extension of his contract until 2027, which will see him playing past his 42nd birthday. He stated that he had offers to play in the Club World Cup, but he felt it was more important to have a good rest and preparation, as the upcoming season will be very long, culminating in the World Cup at the end of the year. "I want to be ready not only for Al Nassr but also for the national team," Ronaldo said, emphasizing his commitment to both club and country.
His dedication to the national team remains unwavering, as evidenced by his recent performance in the UEFA Nations League final, where he helped Portugal secure the title. Ronaldo's teammate, Bruno Fernandes, has expressed confidence that Ronaldo will be present at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating, "I not only believe, but I'm almost certain that he'll be there".
Ronaldo's ambition extends beyond the World Cup, as he has publicly stated his desire to reach 1,000 career goals. With over 938 goals scored for club and country, he is determined to achieve this milestone. Since joining Al Nassr in late 2022, Ronaldo has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances, demonstrating his continued prowess in front of goal. In the 2023-24 season, Ronaldo set a new goal-scoring record in the Saudi Pro League with 35 goals.
Ronaldo has also expressed his desire to win major titles with Al Nassr. While he won the King Salman Club Cup, he is determined to help Al Nassr secure a top-tier trophy. He has become the face of Saudi football since his arrival in 2023, attracting global stars and raising the league's profile.
Moreover, Ronaldo has expressed his deep connection to Saudi Arabia, stating that he intends to live in the Kingdom for the rest of his life. "My family always supports my decisions, and we're happy here in Saudi Arabia," Ronaldo said. "The people treat us in an incredibly warm way. That's why we want to live here and build our lives here". He sees Saudi Arabia as a land of "peace and safety" and wants to play a meaningful role in the country's growth beyond football. Ronaldo has even declared, "I'm Portuguese, but I belong to Saudi Arabia". He also praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his work in the country.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo is focused on maintaining his fitness and performance levels to contribute to both Al Nassr and the Portuguese national team. He believes the 2025-26 season will be the best in Al Nassr's history. With his sights set on the 2026 World Cup and his commitment to Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations and inspire fans worldwide.
